--- title: "What core prerequisites must enterprises meet when applying for new import and export qualifications?" description: "Enterprises looking to expand foreign trade business often get stuck in the process of applying for import and export qualifications，worrying about cumbersome process pitfalls and questionable compliance that may affect subsequent customs clearance. They need to complete the full process including change of industrial and commercial business scope，customs filing，foreign exchange directory registration first，review document details in advance，and prepare exception contingency plans to ensure comp..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "General Trade Q&A" datePublished: "2026-10-31" dateModified: "2026-10-31" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # What core prerequisites must enterprises meet when applying for new import and export qualifications? ## Question I am the owner of a domestic-funded enterprise in Shanghai specializing in light luxury home goods. I recently secured two batches of foreign trade orders from Southeast Asia and was very happy at first, but suddenly found that my company currently has no import and export qualifications, so we cannot legally declare customs and ship goods. Last week I consulted a small agency that said the process is very simple and can be completed quickly for a small fee, but a friend warned me that a peer previously had goods seized after arriving at the port due to incomplete qualification application materials and compliance issues. They not only paid liquidated damages to customers, but also incurred tens of thousands of yuan in port detention fees. I am very anxious now and afraid of making mistakes: should I first change the industrial and commercial business scope or go to customs for filing first? Do I need to prepare any special documents in advance? If there is an abnormality in the process, such as materials being rejected, will it delay the delivery of my order next month? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First，complete **change of industrial and commercial business scope**: Log in to the online system of Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation，add the business scopes of "import and export of goods，import and export of technology，import and export agency". When submitting the application，ensure that documents including the duplicate business license and shareholder meeting resolution are clear and unaltered，to avoid application rejection and progress delay caused by blurred materials. Core node connection: Within 3 working days after the change is completed，immediately log in to the "Single Window" to complete the filing of consignors and consignees of import and export goods with the customs. Meanwhile，prepare documents including the filing registration form for foreign trade operators (paper filing has been cancelled in some regions，please confirm local policies)，registration form for customs declaration entities，etc。to avoid industrial and commercial information not being synchronized to the customs system due to too long an interval，which will affect filing efficiency. Exception contingency plan: If the filing materials are rejected，check the rejection reason immediately. If the rejection is caused by non-standard expression of business scope，contact the market regulation authority immediately to make corrections，if the industrial and commercial information is not synchronized to the customs system，you can bring the paper business license to the local customs for on-site verification，and the information synchronization can usually be completed within 1 working day. Final compliant implementation: After completing customs filing，go to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to handle the directory registration for enterprises of trade foreign exchange receipts and payments，and apply for the electronic port IC card at the same time. Finally，check the qualification status through the "Single Window"，and you can legally carry out import and export business after confirming that all processes are compliant. **status:** accepted **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 2 When applying for new import and export qualifications, enterprises should pay special attention to the mistake of selecting the "type of customs declaration entity" in customs filing. If you incorrectly select "customs declaration enterprise" instead of "consignor and consignee", you will not be able to declare customs in your own name later, and can only entrust a third party to declare customs, which increases customs clearance costs and risks. Once such an error occurs, you need to submit a change application to the local customs immediately, and update the information of the electronic port IC card simultaneously, to avoid port detention of goods after arrival due to inconsistent qualifications. In addition, ensure that the "business address" is completely consistent with that on the business license when filing. If the actual business address is inconsistent with the registered address, you need to complete the industrial and commercial address change first, otherwise the customs filing will be directly rejected. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 3 After the import and export qualifications are approved, synchronize the enterprise qualification information to the cooperating international logistics service provider in time, ensure that the correct qualification title is used in links such as booking and bill of lading issuance, to avoid the bill of lading being unable to be endorsed and the goods being unable to clear customs due to inconsistent titles. If dangerous goods or special category goods are involved, provide the screenshot of the business scope in the qualification certificate to the logistics service provider in advance to confirm whether you have the import and export permission for the corresponding category, to avoid being rejected by the shipping company after booking due to insufficient qualifications, resulting in loss of slot fees. In addition, agree on an emergency customs transfer plan under abnormal qualification conditions with the logistics service provider, such as temporarily entrusting a qualified agency company to declare customs, to reduce the risk of delivery delay. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 4 After obtaining new import and export qualifications, go to the competent tax authority to handle the export tax refund (exemption) filing in time. When filing, accurately fill in the "tax refund bank account number" and "taxpayer identification number" to avoid delayed arrival of tax refund funds due to incorrect information. If the enterprise is involved in cross-border e-commerce B2B export business, confirm whether it meets the applicable conditions of the VAT deferral policy, and submit relevant applications to the tax authority in advance to reduce capital occupation costs. In addition, establish an independent accounting ledger for foreign trade business, distinguish between domestic sales and export sales income and costs, to avoid the risk of tax inquiry caused by accounting confusion. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 5 After completing the foreign exchange directory registration, log in to the application service platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, set the permissions for personnel handling trade foreign exchange receipts and payments, to ensure that only authorized personnel can operate the receipt and payment of foreign exchange. When receiving and paying foreign exchange, strictly follow the principle of "three streams consistency", that is, the titles and amounts of the contract, invoice and capital flow are completely matched, to avoid being listed as a key monitoring object by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange due to inconsistency between capital flow and contract. If offshore account foreign exchange receipt and payment is involved, report the account information to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in time, ensure that all foreign exchange receipt and payment transactions are within the compliance scope, and avoid account freezing. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 6 After obtaining new import and export qualifications, re-examine the clauses of existing foreign trade contracts to ensure that the contract clearly stipulates the miscellaneous clauses related to "qualification compliance", such as the division of responsibilities and liquidated damages compensation standards if the goods cannot clear customs due to the seller's qualification problems. If the import and export of intellectual property products is involved, go to the customs to handle the intellectual property customs protection filing in time to avoid the goods being seized due to infringement. In addition, keep all relevant documents for qualification handling (such as duplicate business license, customs filing form, etc.) and update them regularly, to ensure that valid proof can be provided in case of contract disputes or compliance inspections. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 7 After the import and export qualifications are approved, confirm that the "inspection credit rating" of the enterprise has been synchronized in the customs system before the first customs declaration. For enterprises filing for the first time, the credit rating is usually general credit enterprise, so prepare detailed documents such as packing list, invoice and contract of the goods in advance, to avoid extended inspection time during on-site inspection due to incomplete documents. If the goods involve legal inspection categories, apply for the inspection and quarantine certificate in advance, and accurately fill in the inspection and quarantine number in the customs declaration form, to avoid inspection failure due to missing number. In addition, be familiar with the inspection process and requirements of the local customs, communicate with the customs broker about inspection precautions in advance, to reduce inspection risks. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 8 If the goods imported and exported by the enterprise involve dangerous goods or fragile goods, after obtaining new qualifications, confirm that the business scope includes the import and export permission for the corresponding category, and prepare documents such as the MSDS report of the goods and UN packaging performance certificate in advance to ensure that the packaging meets international transportation standards. If wooden packaging is used, apply for the fumigation certificate and stamp the IPPC mark on the packaging, to avoid the goods being seized by the customs of the destination port due to non-compliant packaging. In addition, agree with the packaging supplier that if the goods are seized due to packaging compliance issues, the supplier shall bear the corresponding compensation liability, to reduce the loss of the enterprise. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 9 After obtaining new import and export qualifications, establish a sound export tax refund document management system to ensure the authenticity, completeness and relevance of all tax refund documents (such as customs declaration forms, invoices, foreign exchange receipt vouchers, etc.). Before tax refund declaration, conduct pre-declaration verification to check whether the commodity code and amount on the customs declaration form are consistent with those on the invoice, to avoid the tax refund declaration being rejected due to inconsistent data. If you receive a tax inquiry notice from the tax authority, provide supporting materials such as business contracts and logistics vouchers in time, and cooperate with the tax authority in verification, to avoid delayed tax refund or cancellation of tax refund qualification due to untimely response to the inquiry. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-10-31 ### Answer 10 After obtaining new import and export qualifications, re-sort out the supply chain structure, incorporate import and export business into the overall supply chain planning, optimize inventory management and logistics route selection, and reduce comprehensive costs. If the FOB trade term is adopted, ensure that you have the qualification and ability to book space independently, to avoid losing control of cargo ownership due to excessive dependence on suppliers. In addition, establish a risk early warning mechanism for foreign trade business, track changes in exchange rates and tariff policies in real time, adjust procurement and sales strategies, to ensure the profitability and stability of import and export business. At the same time, sign long-term cooperation agreements with core suppliers, and stipulate supply terms under the condition of qualification changes, to ensure the smoothness of the supply chain. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-10-31 ## Related Categories - [Import Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/) - [Export Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-agency/) - [Export Tax Rebate Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-tax-rebate/) - [Customs Declaration Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/) - [Freight Forwarding Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-freight-forwarding/) - [Forex Settlement Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-forex-settlement/) - [Entrepôt Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-entrepot-trade/) ## Related Resources - [Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/services/) - [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/) - [Trade Wiki](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/wiki/) - [Trade Class](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/guide/) - [Global Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/country/) ## Structured Data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage":"en", "isPartOf": { "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#website" }, "publisher":{ "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#organization" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "What core prerequisites must enterprises meet when applying for new import and export qualifications?", "text": "I am the owner of a domestic-funded enterprise in Shanghai specializing in light luxury home goods. I recently secured two batches of foreign trade orders from Southeast Asia and was very happy at first, but suddenly found that my company currently has no import and export qualifications, so we cannot legally declare customs and ship goods. Last week I consulted a small agency that said the process is very simple and can be completed quickly for a small fee, but a friend warned me that a peer previously had goods seized after arriving at the port due to incomplete qualification application materials and compliance issues. They not only paid liquidated damages to customers, but also incurred tens of thousands of yuan in port detention fees. I am very anxious now and afraid of making mistakes: should I first change the industrial and commercial business scope or go to customs for filing first? Do I need to prepare any special documents in advance? If there is an abnormality in the process, such as materials being rejected, will it delay the delivery of my order next month?", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 7, "datePublished": "2026-10-31T22:46:57Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-31T22:47:08Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First，complete change of industrial and commercial business scope : Log in to the online system of Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation，add the business scopes of "import and export of goods，import and export of technology，import and export agency". When submitting the application，ensure that documents including the duplicate business license and shareholder meeting resolution are clear and unaltered，to avoid application rejection and progress delay caused by blurred materials. Core node connection: Within 3 working days after the change is completed，immediately log in to the "Single Window" to complete the filing of consignors and consignees of import and export goods with the customs. Meanwhile，prepare documents including the filing registration form for foreign trade operators (paper filing has been cancelled in some regions，please confirm local policies)，registration form for customs declaration entities，etc。to avoid industrial and commercial information not being synchronized to the customs system due to too long an interval，which will affect filing efficiency. Exception contingency plan: If the filing materials are rejected，check the rejection reason immediately. If the rejection is caused by non-standard expression of business scope，contact the market regulation authority immediately to make corrections，if the industrial and commercial information is not synchronized to the customs system，you can bring the paper business license to the local customs for on-site verification，and the information synchronization can usually be completed within 1 working day. Final compliant implementation: After completing customs filing，go to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to handle the directory registration for enterprises of trade foreign exchange receipts and payments，and apply for the electronic port IC card at the same time. Finally，check the qualification status through the "Single Window"，and you can legally carry out import and export business after confirming that all processes are compliant.", "upvoteCount": 7, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T23:32:28Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When applying for new import and export qualifications, enterprises should pay special attention to the mistake of selecting the "type of customs declaration entity" in customs filing. If you incorrectly select "customs declaration enterprise" instead of "consignor and consignee", you will not be able to declare customs in your own name later, and can only entrust a third party to declare customs, which increases customs clearance costs and risks. Once such an error occurs, you need to submit a change application to the local customs immediately, and update the information of the electronic port IC card simultaneously, to avoid port detention of goods after arrival due to inconsistent qualifications. In addition, ensure that the "business address" is completely consistent with that on the business license when filing. If the actual business address is inconsistent with the registered address, you need to complete the industrial and commercial address change first, otherwise the customs filing will be directly rejected.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T23:31:50Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After the import and export qualifications are approved, synchronize the enterprise qualification information to the cooperating international logistics service provider in time, ensure that the correct qualification title is used in links such as booking and bill of lading issuance, to avoid the bill of lading being unable to be endorsed and the goods being unable to clear customs due to inconsistent titles. If dangerous goods or special category goods are involved, provide the screenshot of the business scope in the qualification certificate to the logistics service provider in advance to confirm whether you have the import and export permission for the corresponding category, to avoid being rejected by the shipping company after booking due to insufficient qualifications, resulting in loss of slot fees. In addition, agree on an emergency customs transfer plan under abnormal qualification conditions with the logistics service provider, such as temporarily entrusting a qualified agency company to declare customs, to reduce the risk of delivery delay.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T23:31:17Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After obtaining new import and export qualifications, go to the competent tax authority to handle the export tax refund (exemption) filing in time. When filing, accurately fill in the "tax refund bank account number" and "taxpayer identification number" to avoid delayed arrival of tax refund funds due to incorrect information. If the enterprise is involved in cross-border e-commerce B2B export business, confirm whether it meets the applicable conditions of the VAT deferral policy, and submit relevant applications to the tax authority in advance to reduce capital occupation costs. In addition, establish an independent accounting ledger for foreign trade business, distinguish between domestic sales and export sales income and costs, to avoid the risk of tax inquiry caused by accounting confusion.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T23:29:25Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After completing the foreign exchange directory registration, log in to the application service platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, set the permissions for personnel handling trade foreign exchange receipts and payments, to ensure that only authorized personnel can operate the receipt and payment of foreign exchange. When receiving and paying foreign exchange, strictly follow the principle of "three streams consistency", that is, the titles and amounts of the contract, invoice and capital flow are completely matched, to avoid being listed as a key monitoring object by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange due to inconsistency between capital flow and contract. If offshore account foreign exchange receipt and payment is involved, report the account information to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in time, ensure that all foreign exchange receipt and payment transactions are within the compliance scope, and avoid account freezing.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T23:16:41Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After obtaining new import and export qualifications, re-examine the clauses of existing foreign trade contracts to ensure that the contract clearly stipulates the miscellaneous clauses related to "qualification compliance", such as the division of responsibilities and liquidated damages compensation standards if the goods cannot clear customs due to the seller's qualification problems. If the import and export of intellectual property products is involved, go to the customs to handle the intellectual property customs protection filing in time to avoid the goods being seized due to infringement. In addition, keep all relevant documents for qualification handling (such as duplicate business license, customs filing form, etc.) and update them regularly, to ensure that valid proof can be provided in case of contract disputes or compliance inspections.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T23:09:50Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After the import and export qualifications are approved, confirm that the "inspection credit rating" of the enterprise has been synchronized in the customs system before the first customs declaration. For enterprises filing for the first time, the credit rating is usually general credit enterprise, so prepare detailed documents such as packing list, invoice and contract of the goods in advance, to avoid extended inspection time during on-site inspection due to incomplete documents. If the goods involve legal inspection categories, apply for the inspection and quarantine certificate in advance, and accurately fill in the inspection and quarantine number in the customs declaration form, to avoid inspection failure due to missing number. In addition, be familiar with the inspection process and requirements of the local customs, communicate with the customs broker about inspection precautions in advance, to reduce inspection risks.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T23:09:39Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the goods imported and exported by the enterprise involve dangerous goods or fragile goods, after obtaining new qualifications, confirm that the business scope includes the import and export permission for the corresponding category, and prepare documents such as the MSDS report of the goods and UN packaging performance certificate in advance to ensure that the packaging meets international transportation standards. If wooden packaging is used, apply for the fumigation certificate and stamp the IPPC mark on the packaging, to avoid the goods being seized by the customs of the destination port due to non-compliant packaging. In addition, agree with the packaging supplier that if the goods are seized due to packaging compliance issues, the supplier shall bear the corresponding compensation liability, to reduce the loss of the enterprise.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T22:52:46Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After obtaining new import and export qualifications, establish a sound export tax refund document management system to ensure the authenticity, completeness and relevance of all tax refund documents (such as customs declaration forms, invoices, foreign exchange receipt vouchers, etc.). Before tax refund declaration, conduct pre-declaration verification to check whether the commodity code and amount on the customs declaration form are consistent with those on the invoice, to avoid the tax refund declaration being rejected due to inconsistent data. If you receive a tax inquiry notice from the tax authority, provide supporting materials such as business contracts and logistics vouchers in time, and cooperate with the tax authority in verification, to avoid delayed tax refund or cancellation of tax refund qualification due to untimely response to the inquiry.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T22:49:45Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After obtaining new import and export qualifications, re-sort out the supply chain structure, incorporate import and export business into the overall supply chain planning, optimize inventory management and logistics route selection, and reduce comprehensive costs. If the FOB trade term is adopted, ensure that you have the qualification and ability to book space independently, to avoid losing control of cargo ownership due to excessive dependence on suppliers. In addition, establish a risk early warning mechanism for foreign trade business, track changes in exchange rates and tariff policies in real time, adjust procurement and sales strategies, to ensure the profitability and stability of import and export business. At the same time, sign long-term cooperation agreements with core suppliers, and stipulate supply terms under the condition of qualification changes, to ensure the smoothness of the supply chain.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-prerequisites-for-enterprise-import-export-qualification-application.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-10-31T22:47:08Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "General Trade Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-general-trade/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What core prerequisites must enterprises meet when applying for new import and export qualifications?"} ] } ] ```